AHA announce support for passage of Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act

Today, the American Hospital Association (AHA) announced support for the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act and the improvements that will be made through reconciliation, which together form the comprehensive health insurance reform legislation before Congress.

Excerpts from AHA President and CEO Rich Umbdenstock's letter today to Speaker Pelosi announcing the association's support for the legislation:

"On behalf of the 5,000 members of the American Hospital Association (AHA), I am writing to express our support for passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act (H.R. 3590), and the accompanying changes in the reconciliation bill associated with that measure.

"As hospitals, our goal is to ensure universal coverage for health care services. Like you, we believe that goal is achievable, and this legislation moves the nation closer to that goal. We also appreciate the important provisions contained in the legislation that will provide caregivers with important tools the quality and delivery of patient services.

"We applaud your strong leadership and your steadfast commitment to providing health care coverage for so many Americans in need."

The American Hospital Association joins a number of other hospital groups in supporting the bill, including the Federation of American Hospitals, the Catholic Health Association (representing Catholic hospitals), the National Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems, and the National Association of Children's Hospitals.

There are now more than 325 organizations supporting this reform.